After five years, Ceres have made a triumphant return with the release of their sixth studio album, Magic Mountain (1996-2022). Although it appeared the band had taken a hiatus, they were, in fact, working on this double album in various forms over the past five years. Spanning a massive twenty-five tracks, this record is a deeply personal and moving body of work, featuring heartfelt stories from lead singer Tom Lanyon.
The first half of the album is steeped in nostalgia. In our interview with Lanyon, he shared that much of the album was inspired by his return to his hometown of Mount Dandenong. “We moved out there, we were trying to start a family, and it was real crazy. I didn’t realise what I was doing, and moving back home, all this nostalgic stuff was hitting me—memories flooding back… so, really, the first half of the record is all about the nostalgia of going home.” (To read the full interview, click HERE). The opening track, “Supermassive,” starts the album on a mellow note, with raw, emotional vocals—many captured in a single take. This song sets the tone for the introspective first half of the record.
“1997” follows with a mostly instrumental arrangement, pulling back to vocal simplicity halfway through. Then there’s “Want/Need,” the album’s lead single, and it’s clear why. With its memorable melody and stirring lyrics, this song is an emotional powerhouse—the kind of track you’d belt out in the car without hesitation.
Another single, “Britney Spears,” showcases vocalist Stacey Cicivelli’s smooth vocals, which are beautifully complemented by Lanyon’s rougher tone later in the song, creating a perfect contrast.
“Holly Hill Store Est. 1920” marks a significant turning point on the album. Written on the day Lanyon and his partner discovered they had experienced a miscarriage, the track is deeply emotional, and from this point, the album takes on a more sombre, reflective tone.
“Humming,” offers another change of pace. With a more upbeat sound, it’s a fun and uplifting track that provides a brief respite from the heavier themes. Another standout is “Permanent,” which conveys a raw sense of desperation through its powerful vocals and introspective lyrics. The song builds in intensity and lingers there, bursting with emotion and heartbreak—a beautifully charged piece.
“Mercury in the Next Room” stands out as one of the more stripped-back tracks on the record, slowly building throughout. The layered vocals and chiming guitars create an atmospheric soundscape that pulls you in.
For many, the closing track can define an album’s lasting impression, and “viv” certainly delivers. Featuring Lanyon’s raw vocals over a simple acoustic melody, it’s understated yet emotionally resonant. The soft sounds of a baby babbling in the background provide a touching and symbolic conclusion to Magic Mountain, completing its story on a hopeful note.
Magic Mountain (1996-2022) is a truly special album. Born out of nostalgia, loss, and new beginnings, every song captures these emotions with sincerity. Though there are moments of lightness and fun, this album is best experienced as a complete journey. Its long tracklist invites listeners to be fully immersed, allowing them to connect with the music and stay in the moment. This is an emotional and powerful body of work—intensely personal yet universal in its themes. Ceres have crafted something truly remarkable, and it’s no surprise that it took five years to bring to life. While we hope the band doesn’t take another long break, we’re grateful for the wait, because it gave us Magic Mountain.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Magic Mountain (1996-2022) from Ceres is out now. Grab a copy HERE
